Follow the Fader

Itemized: Corduroy Cap from Études

Every week a different FADER staff member will pick a clothing item or accessory that he or she has lately been spending a lot of time with—or would like to—and write a little love letter to it. We would’ve done a column on who we’re dating but that seemed a little bit much. This week Sam talks about his corduroy cap from Études.

For some unexplained reason or another, there is a list of simple, ordinary things that I just never wear. Sunglasses, sandals, scarves, and other than a beanie in frigid temperatures, I avoid wearing hats altogether. I wrote off wearing flat-brims, as they remind me of the hockey kids (which I decidedly was not) in my hometown of Madison, WI, and I never felt like I had the steez to pull off a 5-panel either. Call it close-mindedness (it is), but I've just never felt right with a hat on my head.

I wandered into Opening Ceremony one night after a dinner with friends in Chinatown, and after scanning the store through things I admired but couldn't afford, I found this corduroy cap hanging on the wall. It instantly caught my attention. Everything about it told me that it was the one; the simple construction, the narrow brim, the fabric choice, and there's just something so fucking nice about that dark, forresty green and navy combination. Not to mention that Études is a rad brand that publishes killer photography books in addition to a fresh clothing label. I really couldn't be deterred from buying this hat. I checked the tag and winced, but only briefly. Everything aligned with this hat, and I haven't regretted it for a minute.